HEALTH  SCIENCES  STANDARD 


HX64069362 
RK61  H992  The  teeth  and  their 


>V^£ 


iulll 


Hi?* 


Columbia  Stotoetsttp 

mU)eCftpof3SfttJgork 

COLLEGE  OF 

PHYSICIANS  AND  SURGEONS 

LIBRARY 


j^+vOc&Oo 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2010  with  funding  from 
Columbia  University  Libraries 


http://www.archive.org/details/teeththeircareOOhyat 


THE  TEETH 
AND  THEIR  CARE 


The  Teeth 
and  Their  Care 


BY 

THADDEUS  P.  HYATT,  D.D.S 

MEMBER   SECOND    DISTRICT    DENTAL    SOCIETY 
OF   THE    STATE   OF   NEW   YORK. 


C°f3 


Brooklyn-New  York 

King  Press 

1906 


~RKU 


Entered  at  Stationer's  Hall,  London,   1906 

and 

Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the 

year  1906  by 

Thaddecs  P.  Hyatt,  D.D.S. 

of 

New  York,  X.  Y..  U.S.A. 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress 

at  Washington,  D.  C. 


For  sale  by 

The  Dental  Publishing  Co. 

44  Court  St. 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

U.  S.  A. 


TO 

MY  WIFE 

BY     WHOSE     SUGGESTION     THIS    WORK     WAS 

STARTED^XD   WITH  WHOSE  CONSTANT 

AID    AND    ENCOURAGEMENT    IT    WAS 

COMPLETED 

THIS   LITTLE    BOOKLET  IS  AFFECTIONATELY 
DEDICATED 


PREFACE 

IMPERFECT  teeth  do  not  permit 
of  perfect  mastication;  imperfect 
mastication  leads  to  mal-nutrition, 
and  mal-nutrition  is  one  of  the  great- 
est factors  in  all  diseases. 

It  is  my  purpose  in  publishing"  this 
little  booklet  to  bring  to  the  attention 
of  an  intelligent  public  a  few  facts 
about  the  teeth,  their  connection\vith 
various  diseases  and  their  intimate 
relation  with  the  whole  body  struc- 
ture— facts  of  vital  importance  to  all 
who  would  have  sound  teeth  and, 
therefore,  sound  bodies. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Chapter  I.— Structure  of  the  Teeth 9 

Physical  Structure 9 

Chemical  Structure 12 

Effect  of  Acids  on  the  Teeth 13 

How  Acids  Enter  the  Mouth 13 

Chapter  II.— Care  of  the  Teeth 14 

Greater  Care  Before  Retiring 15 

Massaging  the  Gums 16 

Tooth  B^rush 17 

Tooth  Picks  and  Floss  Silk 18 

Tooth  Powders,  Pastes  and  Mouth  Washes 19 

Tartar 20 

Care  of  the  Teeth  During  Sickness 20 

Extremes  of  Heat  and  Cold  Harmful 21 

Chapter  III.— Children's  Teeth 23 

Eruption  of  the  Temporary  Teeth 23 

Never  Apply  Force  to  Children 24 

Sixth  Year  Molars 25 

Eruption  of  the  Permanent  Teeth 26 

Irregularity  of  the  Teeth 27 

Decayed  Teeth  Source  of  Much  Sickness 2S 

Food  and  Exercise 29 

Thumb  Sucking 31 

Mouth  Open  During  Sleep 32 


PAGE 

Chapter  IV.— Relation  of  the  Teeth   to  the 
Rest  of  the  Body 33 

Blindness  33 

Insanity 34 

Gastric  Troubles 34 

Health  Dependent  Upon   Conditions  of   the 

Mouth 35 

Examination    of    the    Teeth    of    Children   in 

Public  Schools 35 

Army  Dentist 37 

Chapter  V.— General  Remarks 38 

Prenatal  Influence 38 

Unnecessary  Pain 39 

Swollen  Face 40 

Chapter  VI—  Conclusion 42 

Floss  Silk 42 

Dark  Lines  or  Spots 42 

Brush 42 

Visiting  the  Dentist  Regularly 43 


THE  TEETH 
AfiD  THEIR  CARE 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 


Cljaptcr  (But 

STRUCTURE    OF    THE    TEETH 

AS  the  human  teeth  are  constant- 
ly exposed  to  those  elements 
which  are  most  detrimental  to  their 
integrity,  they  require  more  attention 
than  is  needed  by  any  other  portion 
of  the  bod}'.  That  the}'  do  not  re- 
ceive this  care  is  a  self-evident  fact. 
To  enable  one  to  gain  a  better  ap- 
preciation of  the  teeth,  and  thus  make 
a  more  intelligent  use  of  the  methods 
advocated  for  their  preservation,  a 
short  description  of  their  physical  and 
chemical  structure  will  be  given. 

Physical  Structure. —The  teeth  are 
small,  bony,  compact  organs,  each 
being-  differently  shaped  so  as  to  best 
tit  it  to  fulfill  the  requirements  of  its 

9 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

position  in  the  jaw.  We  thus  find  that 
the  four  front  teeth  or  incisors  are 
chisel-shaped,  that  they  may  serve  the 
purpose  of  biting  or  cutting ;  this 
shape  also,  enables  better  enunciation. 

The  next  in  the  arch  going  towards 
the  back  of  the  mouth  on  either  side 
are  the  cuspid  teeth,  which,  owing  to 
their  position  and  closer  proximity  to 
the  motor  power,  are  used  for  heavier 
biting  or  cutting  purposes.  Their 
shape  makes  of  them  the  proper  link 
between  the  small  half  molars,  or 
bicuspids,  on  the  one  side,  and  the  in- 
cisors on  the  other. 

Following  the  cuspid  are  the  two 
bicuspid  teeth,  which  are  used  to  break 
the  food  into  small  pieces,  preparatory 
to  being  ground  by  the  molars. 

The  three  molars  are  broad-faced 
teeth,  with  corrugated  surfaces,  which 
make  them  valuable  for  grinding  and 
pulverizing  the  food. 

The  upper  and  lower  sets  of  teeth 
being  the  same  as  regards  location  and 

10 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 


number,    give    us    thirty-two    in    all, 
classified  as  follows : 

Four    central    incisor    teeth, 

Four   lateral   incisor   teeth. 

Four  cuspid  teeth, 

Eight  bicuspid  teeth, 

Twelve  molars. 
A  tooth  is  divided  into  two  parts, 
viz : — the  Root,  or  that  part  which  is 
imbedded  in  the  gum  ;  and  the  Crown, 
or  that  part  which  is  visible  and  is 
outside    the  gum. 

A  cross-section  will  show  the  tooth 
to  be  composed  of : 

i.  The  enamel,  which  is  the 
densest  and  hardest  substance  in  the 
human  body  and  covers  all  that  ex- 
posed portion  of  the  tooth  called  the 
crown.  It  also  extends  below  the  free 
margin  of  the  gum. 

2.  The  cementum  which  covers  the 
root  or  roots. 

3.  The  dentine,  which  composes 
the  larger  portion  of  the  tooth  and  con- 
tains the  pulp  chamber.     The  dentine, 

2  11 


THE    TEETH    AND    THEIR    CARE 

though  hard,  contains  from  six  to  nine 
times  more  organic  tissue  than  the 
enamel,  and,  when  exposed,  offers  less 
resistance  to  the  influence  of  decay. 

4.  The  pulp,  which  is  within  the 
pulp  chamber,  and  which  is  commonly, 
though  incorrectly,  called  the  nerve. 
The  pulp  performs  its  most  important 
duties  during  the  early  life  of  the 
tooth,  as  it  produces  the  dentine  prior 
to  the  eruption,  and  afterwards  in- 
creases its  density. 

Chemical  Structure.— The  chemical 
structure  of  the  tooth  is  made  up  of 
calcium  phosphate,  calcium  carbon- 
ate, and  magnesium  phosphate. 

In  the  enamel  there  is  a  little  over 
ninety-six  per  cent  of  inorganic  mat- 
ter, and  in  the  dentine  about  seventy- 
two  per  cent.  As  the  percentage  of 
lime  salts  or  inorganic  matter  is  so 
great,  those  elements  which  are  an- 
tagonistic to  it  must  prove  to  be  most 
detrimental  to  the  teeth. 

12 


/* 

~~~—~ — . 

*\ 

IS* 

*y^X~^^\ 

rS 

-^-""~4 

x--^rW&-' 

v — 3 

^-^-^^ 

fBr-^ 

€~~ 

1 

CROSS    SECTION   OF   A  TOOTH.     f.-ENAMEL;    C 
MENTUM;   /). — DENTINE;     N. — SERVES:   A  r 
ARTERIES;   /'.-VEIN;  PT.-VVI.V  TISSUE 


THE   TEETH    AND   THEIR    CARE 

Effects    of    Acids    on    the    Teeth.— 

Acids  decompose  the  carbonates  or 
lime  salts,  and  when  present  in  the 
mouth  are  a  source  of  constant  dan- 
ger to  the  teeth,  as  they  attack  the 
lime  structure,  which  in  time  breaks 
down,  and  thus  we  have  decayed  teeth. 

How  Acids  Enter  the  Mouth.— Acids 
enter  the  mouth  in  many  different 
ways,  viz. : 

By  decomposition  and  fermentation 
of  foods  present  in  the  mouth ; 

By  acid  drinks,  medicine  and  acid 
fruits ; 

By  acidity  of  the  stomach,  and 

By  the  unnatural  acidity  of  the 
saliva. 

The  preventative  for  the  first  is, 
necessarily,  to  have  absolute  cleanli- 
ness ;  for  the  second,  to  at  once  rinse 
the  mouth  with  some  antacid.  Acidity 
of  the  stomach  and  saliva  must  re- 
ceive the  attention  of  the  physician 
and  dentist. 

13 


Chapter  <Euk> 

CARE   OF   THE   TEETH. 

UPON  rising-  in  the  morning", 
scrape  the  tongue  clean  with  a 
small  whale-bone,  and  thoroughly 
rinse  the  mouth  with  tepid  water  into 
which  has  been  poured  a  few  drops  of 
some  alkaline  antiseptic  mouth  wash. 
After  meals  carefully  see-saw  floss 
silk  between  the  teeth,  removing  all 
particles  of  food.  Gentleness  and 
avoidance  of  hurry  will  prevent  the 
silk  from  cutting  the  gums  and  mak- 
ing them  bleed. 

The  brush,  with  tooth  powder,* 
should  be  used.,  and  a  circular  motion 
be  given  to  the  brush  which  will  cause 
the  bristles  to  follow  the  curvatures 
of  the  gums  and  the  interspaces  be- 
tween the  teeth.  It  is  more  difficult  to 
thoroughly  cleanse  the  inside  surfaces 
of  the  teeth,  especially  the  lower  ones, 

14        *Or  tooth  paste. 


THE    TEETH    AND    THEIR    CARE 

and  the  corrugated  crowns  of  the  mol- 
ars, therefore  greater  care  and  more 
time  should  be  given  to  these  parts. 
Follow  this  by  rinsing  the  mouth  with 
some  alkaline  mouth  wash,  such  as 
Phillip's  Milk  of  Magnesia,  which  will 
keep  the  mouth  in  an  antacid  condition 
for  several  hours  afterwards. 

The  Milk  of  Magnesia,  or  other  al- 
kaline mouth  wash,  should  be  kept  in 
the  mouth  for  at  least  one  minute,  and 
efforts  made  to  force  it  between  the 
teeth  by  the  aid  of  the  tongue,  as 
though  in  the  act  of  spitting.  Nat- 
urally, the  lips  and  teeth  are  kept 
closed  while  this  is  being  done. 

Greater    Care    before     Retiring.— 

Before  retiring  greater  care  must  be 
given  to  the  use  of  floss  silk  and  tooth 
brush  (it  is  not  necessary  to  use 
powder  oftener  than  once  a  day),  and 
the  alkaline  mouth  wash  should  be  re- 
tained for  at  least  three  minutes  in  the 
mouth.     During  sleep,  while  the  body 

15 


THE   TEETH    AND   THEIR    CARE 

is  in  a  state  of  rest,  any  acidity  of  the 
saliva  has  better  opportunity  to  injure 
the  teeth ;  hence  the  importance  of 
thoroughly  cleansing  them  and  having 
the  mouth  in  an  antacid  condition  be- 
fore retiring. 

Massaging"  the  Gums,  etc.— Mas- 
saging the  gums  with  the  fingers 
dipped  in  cold  water  aids  the  circula- 
tion of  the  blood  and  proves  very  bene- 
ficial. This  should  be  done  once  a  day, 
preferably  before  breakfast. 

At  least  four  or  six  times  a  year  the 
teeth  should  be  cleansed  and  polished 
by  the  dentist,  and  the  gums  treated. 
This  operation,  which  is  thought 
lightly  of  by  most  people,  is  in  reality 
one  requiring  the  greatest  care  and 
skill  on  the  part  of  the  dentist,  and 
is  entitled  to  all  the  respect  and  con- 
sideration bestowed  on  other  work 
which  seems  to  give  larger  returns. 

"The  placing  of  the  teeth  and  ad- 
jacent parts  in  a  perfectly  clean  and 

16 


'    THE   TEETH    AND    THEIR    CARE 

healthy  condition  requires  more  real 
skill  and  practical  knowledge  than  the 
placing  of  a  filling.  This  statement 
may  be  regarded  as  an  exaggeration, 
but  it-  is  certain  that  a  careful  con- 
sideration of  all  that  this  operation  re- 
quires will  convince  the  thoughtful 
mind  that  this  is  not  an  over  statement. 
*  *  *  To  clean  the  teeth  and  place 
the  adjacent  structures  in  a  normal, 
healthy  condition  means  not  only  an 
expert  ability  in  the  use  of  instru- 
ments., but  a  quite  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  special  pathology  and  thera- 
peutics, and  this  can  be  only  acquired 
by  long  months  and  may  be  years  of 
training." — Editorial  in  International 
Dental  Journal. 

Tooth  Brush.— Care  should  be  taken 
in  the  selection  of  a  brush.  A  small 
one  which  permits  freedom  of  motion 
is  better  than  a  large  one  which  simply 
fills  the  mouth  and  prevents  sufficient 
action   to   properly   cleanse   the   teeth. 

17 


__      THE    TEETH    AND    THEIR    CARE 

Many  persons  are  in  the  habit  of  se- 
lecting soft  brushes,  claiming  that  the 
stiffer  ones  make  their  gums  bleed. 
In  the  majority  of  cases  it  will  be 
found  that  the  cause  of  the  bleeding- 
is  the  presence  of  tartar  under  the 
gums,  which  is  unsuspected  by  the  pa- 
tient. If  the  gums  are  in  good  condi- 
tion, and  a  fairly  stiff  brush  is  allowed 
to  soak  for  a  few  minutes  in  water, 
it  will  be  found  that  not  only  the  teeth 
can  be  better  cleansed,  but  the  gums 
also  can  be  thoroughly  brushed  with- 
out causing  them  to  bleed  or  give  any 
discomfort.  The  bristles  of  the  brush 
should  not  be  close  together, .  and  it 
is  better  to  have  them  of  uneven 
length.  After  the  brush  has  been 
used  it  should  be  washed  and  a  few 
taps  given  on  the  handle  close  to  the 
bristles  on  the  side  of  the  basin  ;  this 
will  remove  particles  of  food  that  have 
become  entangled  among  the  bristles. 

18 


THE   TEETH    AND   THEIR    CARE 

Tooth  Picks  and  Floss  Silk.— Metal 

tooth  picks  are  not  beneficial  to  the 
teeth,  while  the  wooden  ones  often 
cause  splinters  to  penetrate  between 
the  root  and  the  gum,  which  in  many 
cases  result  in  the  loss  of  the  tooth, 
with  great  pain  and  suffering.  A  quill 
tooth  pick  is  preferable  to  any  other 
form  of  pick,  but  the  best  method  of 
removing  food  from  between  the  teeth 
is  the  use  of  floss  silk.  Persons  be- 
come so  skilled  in  the  use  of  floss  silk 
4  that  they  can  run  it  between  all  the 
teeth  in  a  few  minutes. 

When  it  some  times  happens  that  a 
particle  of  food  fails  to  become  dis- 
lodged, if  a  small  double  knot  be  tied, 
and  the  silk  slipped  in  between  the 
teeth  at  a  point  about  an  inch  from 
the  knot,  it  will  be  found  upon  gently 
pulling  the  silk  sidewise  that  the  bit 
of  food  will  come  with  the  knot. 

Tooth  Powders,  Pastes,  and   Mouth 

Washes.— Consult  your  dentist  about 

19 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

brushes,  powders,  pastes  and  mouth- 
washes, as  different  conditions  require 
different  treatment. 

Tartar.— Tartar  is  a  calcareous  or 
chalky  substance  deposited  upon  the 
teeth,  and  is  an  absolute  preventative 
to  perfect  cleanliness.  Its  speedy  re- 
moval is  a  duty  not  to  be  neglected  or 
postponed. 

The  gradual  increase  of  masses  of 
tartar  causes  the  gums  to  recede,  be- 
come inflamed,  diseased,  and  finally 
the  teeth  loosen  and  fall  out.  The 
odor  from  a  mouth  with  much  tartar 
is  most  objectionable.  The  tartar 
should  at  once  be  removed  by  the  dent- 
ist, and  the  brush  used  thoroughly 
night  and  morning,  which  will  to  a 
great  extent  prevent  any  new  forma- 
tion. 

Care  of   Teeth  During    Sickness.— 

During  sickness,  if  the  patient  is  un- 
able  to   cleanse   his   teeth,   the   nurse 

20 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

should  be  requested  to  do  it  for  him. 
When  a  patient  is  unable  to  rise,  it 
has  been  suggested  that  the  ordinary 
feeding  cup  for  invalids  should  be 
used. 

"The  patient  takes  the  solution 
into  his  mouth  through  the  long  spout., 
and  having  rinsed  thoroughly,  closes 
the  lips  about  the  spout  and  forces  the 
liquid  back  into  the  cup,  all  done  with- 
out raising  the  head  from  the  pillow." 
If  the  patient  is  unable  to  do  this, 
•'then  the  nurse  should  carefully  wipe 
out  the  mouth  with  a  small  piece  of 
soft  cloth,  wet  with  some  alkaline  an- 
tiseptic solution. 

Extremes  of  Heat  and  Cold  Harmful. 

— As  the  density  of  the  enamel  and 
dentine  differ,  the  contact  of  very  hot 
drinks  or  food  produces  an  unequal 
expansion,  which  causes  the  enamel  to 
crack.  No  unfairer  usage  could  be  in- 
flicted upon  the  teeth  than  the  habit 
of  eating  ice  cream  and  drinking  hot 

21 


the  teeth  and  theik  care 

coffee.  The  presence  of  any  metal  fill- 
ing in  the  teeth  adds  to  the  dangers 
because  of  the  difference  in  contract- 
tion  and  expansion  between  the  metal 
and  tooth  substance. 


22 


Chapter  t\)itt 


THE  teeth  of  our    little    ones  are 

too    often    neglected,    and  the 

amount    of    suffering    endured    is  en- 
tirely unnecessary. 


Eruption  of  the  Temporary  Teeth. 

— When  the  gums  show  the  slightest 
4  signs  of  being  swollen  or  inflamed,  do 
not  delay,  but  at  once  request  your 
dentist  to  lance  them ;  also  ask  for 
directions  as  to  what  is  best  to  be  done. 
Borax  and  honey  are  very  good  to  rub 
the  inflamed  gums  (one  part  borax 
and  three  parts  honey).  When  the 
little  teeth  come  through,  watch  them, 
and  if  they  keep  perfectly  clean  leave 
them  alone.  If,  however,  it  is  noticed 
that  they  become  coated,  then  a  small, 
soft  brush  should  be  used  with  tepid 
water  and  bicarbonate  of  soda    (one- 

23 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

half  teaspoonfnl  of  soda  to  a  glass  of 
water.)  If  this  does  not  cleanse  them, 
it  is  best  to  consult  your  dentist  and 
ascertain  the  cause  and  remedy. 

There  are  twenty  temporary  teeth, 
ten  upper  and  ten  lower,  which  make 
their  appearance  in  the  following 
order : 

Four  central  incisors 6th  to    8th  month 

"     lateral  "     7th  "    9th     " 

"     1st  molars    "     14th  "  16th     " 

"     cuspids  "    16th  "  18th     " 

"     2d  molars     "    20th  ''24th     " 

It  is  time  enough,  as  a  rule,  to  wait 
until  the  child  can  walk  and  use  its 
hands  in  feeding  before  encouraging 
it  to  use  the  brush.  Let  the  little  ones 
watch  you  cleanse  your  teeth,  explain 
why  you  do  it,  and  promise  them  a 
tooth  brush  for  their  teeth,  and  in  the 
vast  majority  of  cases  they  will  be 
only  too  eager  to  begin  its  use  at  once. 

Never  Apply   Force  to   Children.— 

Force  should  never  be  used  with 
children  in  connection  with  their  teeth, 

24 


S  E  T  O  F  TEMPORARY  TEETH.      C  I,  C  E  N  TRAL  INCISOR ; 

/.    /.  LATERAL    INCISOR:     C,  CUSPID;    1st    M.  FIRST 

MOLAR;     2d    .1/,     SECOND     MOLAR;      A,    ABOUT 

THE    SIXTH    YEAR    THE    FIRST    MOLAR    OF 

THE   SECOND  SET  WILL  APPEAR  HERE 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

and  the  sooner  they  learn  to  go  to  the 
dentist  the  better :  for  it  will,  as  a  rule, 
save  them  from  the  horror  and  dread 
that  comes  to  older  children  who  have 
overheard  terrible  stories  about  the 
chair,  engine,  forceps,  etc.  A  wise 
plan  is  to  take  the  children  to  have 
their  teeth  cleansed  with  the  engine ; 
this  will  accustom  them  to  the  chair 
and  dental  outfit. 

Sixth   Year  Molars.— Many  parents 

•*  make  the  mistake  of  believing  that 
the  large  molars  which  make  their 
appearance  about  the  sixth  year  be- 
long to  the  first  set,  and  thus  allow 
them  to  become  so  badly  decayed  as 
to  make  it  almost  if  not  quite  im- 
possible to  save  them.  But  even  if 
they  should  belong  to  the  first  or 
temporary  set,  it  is  not  only  unwise, 
but  almost  criminal  to  allow  them  to 
decay.  The  little  temporary  teeth 
should  receive  most  careful  attention, 
as  there  is  no  work  that  requires  more 

25 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

skill  and  care  at  the  dentist's  hands 
than  the  filling  of  than.  Every  child 
should  have  his  teeth  examined  at 
least  once  in  six  months,  and  in  many 
cases  oftener. 

Eruption  of  the  Permanent  Teeth. 

— The  second  or  permanent  teeth 
make  their  appearance  in  the  follow- 
ing order,  and  should  be  carefully 
looked  for  by  the  parents. 

1st  molars 6th  year 

Central  incisor.. 6th  to    7th  " 

Lateral         "       7th  "     8th  " 

1st  bicuspids 10th  " 

2d           "       11th  " 

Cuspids 11th  " 

2d    molars 12th  " 

3d         "        ISth  "  30th  " 

The  permanent  molars  are  often 
named  according  to  the  year  in  which 
they  usually  erupt. 

1st  molars... being  called...  6th  rear  molars 

2d         "      ...     "  "     ...12th   '   " 

3d         "      ...     "  "     ...18th       " 

3d  ...    "also"     ...Wisdom-teeth 

26 


PERMANENT    TEETH.    C I.~ "CENTRAL  INCISOR;    LI. — 
LATERAL    INCISOR:    C.— CUSPID:    1st  B.  —FIRST 
BICUSPID:  2d  B. — SECOXD  BICUSPID:  1st 
M—  FIRST  molar;  2d  M  —  SEC- 
OND   molar;    3d  M. — 

THIRD      MOLAR 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CAKE 

The  lower  teeth  of  both  the  tempo- 
rary and  permanent  set  usually  make 
their  appearance  first.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  molars,  all  the  perma- 
nent teeth  refill  spaces  previously  filled 
by  temporary  teeth.  It  is  therefore 
most  important  that  the  first  teeth  be 
retained  as  long  as  necessary,  for  if 
the)'  are  neglected  and  become  de- 
cayed, and  are  compelled  to  be  ex- 
tracted before  their  time,  the  bony 
structure  of  the  jaws  fails  to  expand 
properly,  with  the  result  that  the  sec- 
ond set  is  crowded  into  an  unnatur- 
ally small  space.  This  irregularity 
prevents  the  teeth  from  being  kept 
properly  clean,  with  all  the  accom- 
panving  decay  and  pain  which  logic- 
ally  follows  such  conditions. 

Irregularity  of  the  Teeth.— Irregu- 
larity of  the  teeth  can  be  corrected, 
and  though  needing  much  time,  labor 
and  expense,  should  be  attended  to  as 
soon  as  possible.     Patients  should  real- 

21 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

ize  the  great  importance  of  co-operat- 
ing with  the  dentist  in  carrying  out  his 
instruction,  and  in  promptly  keeping 
all  appointments. 

Irregular  teeth  not  only  prevent 
proper  mastication  of  food,  but  are 
also  extremely  difficult  to  keep  clean. 
A  clean  mouth  greatly  reduces  the 
chances  of  taking  diseases. 

Decayed  Teeth  Source  of  Much 
Sickness.— The  presence  of  decayed 
teeth  in  a  child's  mouth  not  only  di- 
rectly impairs  the  digestion,  but  also 
poisons  the  food  which  should  give 
nourishment  to  the  little  growing 
bodies.  The  breaking  down  of  these 
teeth  through  decay  also  diminishes 
the  child's  masticating  ability  and 
leads  him  into  the  habit  of  bolting  his 
food,  which  is  very  injurious.  Should 
these  little  teeth  become  badly  decayed, 
abscesses,  or  what  are  called  gum  boils, 
form.  The  gums  become  much  in- 
flamed, and  the  building  process  of  the 

28 


Courtesy  of  Haskell  Post- Graduate  School. 


THE    ABOVE     ILLUSTRATION     SHOWS    THE    RELATIVE 

POSITIONS  OF  THE  TEMPORARY  AND  PERMANENT 

TEETH  IN    A    CHILD   OF   ABOUT    SIX    YEARS   OF 

AGE.    NOTE  THE  PRESENCE  OF  THE  FULLY 

CALCIFIED    CROWNS    OF   THE   SECOND 

SET    BACK     OF    THE     ROOTS     OF 

THE      TEMPORARY      TEETH 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

second  teeth  is  interfered  with,  so  that 
their  power  to  resist  decay  is  much 
impaired  ;  and  in  some  cases  the  sec- 
ond teeth  are  so  weakened  that  they 
decay  almost  as  soon  as  they  make 
their  appearance.  Therefor,  take  the 
greatest  care  of  the  temporary  baby 
teeth,  as  nature  has  provided  them  so 
that  more  time  may  be  had  to  properly 
build  the  second  set,  which  set  is  in- 
tended to  last  as  long  as  the  person 
lives. 

Food  and  Exercises.— Just  as  the 
health  of  the  body  depends  upon  a 
strong  and  sound  set  of  teeth,  so  the 
strength  and  beauty  of  the  teeth  de- 
pend upon  the  food  given  babies  and 
children. 

Discretion  must  be  exercised  in 
making  any  radical  change  in  an  in- 
fant's diet,  or  that  of  children,  and  it 
is  best  and  wisest  to  consult  your  phy- 
sician.    Plain  and  simple  food  should 

29 


THE   TEETH    AND   THEIR    CARE 

be  used,  and  those  which  contain  the 
elements  which  go  to  build  the  teeth 
and  bones  are  always  needed.  These 
are  the  cereals.  Whole  wheat  flour, 
such  as  is  prepared  by  the  Franklin 
Mills,  should  be  used  in  the  place  of 
white  flour,  as  the  latter  is  white  only 
because  the  phosphates  and  mineral 
salts  have  been  removed.  It  is  from 
phosphates  and  mineral  salts  that  the 
nerves  and  bones  receive  their  nour- 
ishment. 

It  is  particularly  valuable  to  have 
the  temporary  teeth  well  exercised, 
which  causes  good  circulation  of  blood 
and  a  plentiful  supply  of  material  for 
tooth  building,  also  expanding  the 
jaws  so  that  room  is  provided  for  the 
larger  teeth. 

Hard  crusts,  stale  whole-wheat 
bread,  shredded  wheat  biscuits,  or  any 
wholesome  hard  biscuits  will  help  to 
develop  the  teeth,  strengthen  the  gums 
and  prove  a  valuable  preventative  of 
decay. 

30 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

Chewing  gum  is  beneficial  if  done 
under  the  parent's  direction.  It  should 
only  be  used  directly  after  a  meal  and 
not  continued  for  a  longer  time  than 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes.  It 
will  greatly  help  the  removal  of  food 
from  the  crevices  of  the  back  teeth  and 
the  flow  of  saliva  will  wash  out  the 
food  from  between  the  teeth. 

Children  should  be  kept  out  in  the 
open  and  permitted  to  play  in  the 
earth  and  grass,  and  sleep  in  well- 
ventilated  rooms.  Windows  should 
never  be  closed  in  the  children's  sleep- 
ing rooms. 

Thumb  Sucking-.— The  habit  of 
thumb  sucking  tends  to  force  out  the 
upper  front  teeth  and  push  back  the 
lower  front  teeth.  This,  if  allowed  to 
continue  for  any  length  of  time  will 
cause  a  facial  disfigurement  which  is 
hard  to  remedy. 


31 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

Mouth  Open  Duping  Sleep.— Often 
children  sleep  with  their  months  open, 
which  is  injurious  to  both  child  and 
teeth.  This  is  frequently  cured  by  ap- 
plying one  drop  of  sweet  oil  at  the 
back  of  the  tongue,  which,  as  it  gently 
flows  down,  causes  an  unconscious  act 
of  swallowing  and  thus  the  little  one 
will  close  its  mouth  without  waking. 
If  it  is  noticed  that  the  child  is  in  the 
habit  of  breathing  through  its  mouth 
during  the  day  and  experiences  diffi- 
culty in  getting  his  breath  when  the 
mouth  is  closed,  it  were  wise  to  at 
once  to  consult  the  family  physician 
or  dentist  and  ascertain  the  cause. 
The  remedy  is  usually  quite  simple. 


32 


Cljaptrr  f-om 

RELATION    OF   THE   TEETH    TO   THE   REST 
OF   THE  BODY. 

IX  SANITY,     blindness,      deafness, 
neuralgia  and  headaches  are  often 
caused  by  decayed  teeth. 

Blindness.—"  In  the  Courier  Medical 
for  1890  will  be  found  the  report  of  a 
lady,  age  thirty,  who  complained  of 
failing  vision  in  the  left  eye,  accom- 
panied by  severe  toothache  in  the  sec- 
ond left  upper  molar  tooth.  In  one 
week  from  the  onset  of  the  attack  the 
left  eye  became  entirely  blind,  without 
any  ophthalmoscopic  evidence  of  dis- 
ease. The  diseased  tooth  was  extracted 
and  pus  immediately  flowed  from  the 
alveolar  cavity  and  in  a  few  days  there 
was  complete  restoration  of  vision." 

Dr.    Fenner    reports    two    cases    of 
temporary    blindness    caused    by    de- 

35 


'THE    TEETH    AND    THEIR    CARE 

cayed    teeth,    which    were    completely 
cured  by  their  removal. 

Insanity.— Dr.  Savage  relates  the 
circumstances  of  a  man  who  was  more 
or  less  insane  for  six  months,  being" 
sometimes  quite  dangerous.  As  he 
was  also  suffering  from  toothache, 
some  decayed  teeth  were  extracted  and 
there  was  no  return  of  the  insanity. 

Gastric  Trouble.— In  a  paper  read 
before  the  Royal  Medical  and  Surgi- 
cal Society  in  England,  Dr.  R.  Godlee 
shows  forcibly  that  a  diseased  condi- 
tion of  the  teeth  and  mouth  is  a  most 
potent  and  prevalent  cause  of  gastric 
trouble,  and  that  the  "catarrh  set  up  is 
not  simply  irritant  but  actually  infect- 
ive, and  may  lead  in  time  to  other  more 
permanent  effects,  namely,  atrophy  of 
the  glands  and  chronic  gastritis.  Oral 
sepsis  is  of  a  particularly  virulent 
character,  for  it  is  connected  with  dis- 
ease of  the  bone.    No  physician  or  sur- 

34 


Afi'enor  Dental  Artery 


\  u    ■< 


Anterior  Dentil   Nc 


'inches  of  Infraorb'i 
Artery  and  \'etn 


Anterior 

Dental  Vein 


Inferior  Dental  Vein 


Inferior  Dental  Artery 


Mental  Branches.  Intel 
Dental  Vein?  and  Artenc 


isal  and  Labial 
Branches  of 
Infraorbital  Ner\ 


■     Loop  formed  by 
Anterior  and 
Posterior  Dental 
Nerves 


Interim   Dental   Nerv 


Mental  Branches  of  Inferior 
Dental  Nerve 


Incisive  Nerve 
Incisive  Vein 
Courtesy  of  Haskell  Post-Graduate  School. 


THE    ABOVE    ILLUSTRATION    SHOWS   THE    BLOOD   AND 
NERVE   SUPPLY   TO    THE    TEETH 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

geon  would  tolerate  for  a  moment  that 
a  patient  with  a  foul  septic  ulcer,  say 
on  his  forearm,  should  apply  his  lips 
to  the  ulcer  to  cleanse  it,  yet  this  is 
pathologically,  precisely  what  happens 
in  the  case  of  patients  with  decayed 
teeth.  Moreover,  the  swallowing  is 
constant  and  goes  on  for  years  un- 
heeded by  both  patient  and  doctor." 

Health  Dependent  upon  Condition 
of  the  Mouth.— As  the  healthy  and 
continued  life  of  the  whole  body  de- 
pends upon  the  air  it  breathes  and  the 
food  it  assimilates,  and  as  both  of 
these  are  directly  effected  by  the  con- 
ditions of  the  mouth,  it  is  not  an  ex- 
aggeration to  say  that  two-thirds  of 
the  ills  of  mankind  would  be — no,  will 
be — banished  as  soon  as  the  teeth  and 
mouth  receive  the  care  and  attention 
they  require. 

Examination  of  the  Teeth  of  Chil- 
dren in  the  Public   Schools.— One  of 

the  most  promising  signs  of  the  past 

35 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

few  years  is  the  awakening  pi  our 
leading  physicians  and  dentists  to  the 
importance  of  systematic  investigation 
of  the  teeth  of  the  children  in  the  pub- 
lic schools.  Instruction  by  a  compe- 
tent dentist  should  be  given  to  the  chil- 
dren so  that  they  may  understand  how 
to  take  care  of  their  teeth. 

Professor  Limberg,  of  St.  Peters- 
burg, in  a  paper  read  before  the  Third 
International  ^  Congress  at  Paris, 
showed  that  ninety-five  per  cent  of  the 
children  needed  dental  attention. 

In  many  parts  of  Belgium,  Ger- 
many, England,  France,  Sweden,  Hol- 
land and  other  countries,  the  teeth  of 
school  children  receive  attention  from 
dentists  appointed  for  this  purpose. 

In  this  country  there  are  over  fifteen 
million  children  in  the  public  schools, 
and  as  yet  no  organized  attention  is 
paid  to  their  teeth.  The  National  As- 
sociation of  Dentists  has  taken  this 
question  up  and  hope  to  gain  sufficient 
data  to  present  to  the  government  that 

36 


.     THE    TEETH    AND    THEIR    CARE 

will  show  the  importance  of  this  sub- 
ject. 

The  examination  of  the  teeth  of  559 
children  in  two  or  our  public  schools 
revealed  2,708  cavities  and  over  30 
abscesses.  Only  13  out  of  the  559  chil- 
dren did  not  need  dental  attention. 
Not  more  than  one-third  had  tooth 
brushes,  and  many  of  these  had  to 
share  them  with  the  whole  family. 

Army  Dentist.— After  years  of  hard 
work  on  the  part  of  the  dentists  of 
America,  Congress  has  passed  a  bill 
authorizing  the  appointment  of  den- 
tists as  officers  in  the  United  States 
Army.  Should  a  system  be  devised 
whereby  uniform  work  with  the  same 
material  be  done  and  detail  reports 
made  of  every  case,  the  statistics  thus 
compiled   would  prove   invaluable. 


37 


Ctjaptcr  jftor 


GENERAL    REMARKS. 


Prenatal  Influence.— A  most  impor- 
tant subject,  but  which  can  hardly  be 
given  full  justice  in  so  small  a  booklet, 
is  the  prenatal  influence  governing  the 
future  welfare  of  the  teeth.  Very  little 
attention  is  given  to  this  matter,  and 
yet  too  much  care  and  thought  can- 
not be  bestowed  upon  such  an  import- 
ant factor,  in  the  psychological,  phy- 
siological and  anatomical  development 
of  the  future  man.  Naturally  the  wel- 
fare of  the  teeth  is  included  and,  as  a 
rule,  it  is  these  dental  organs  which, 
though  last  to  be  completed,  are  the 
first  to  become  impaired  or  destroyed. 
This  is  owing  largely  to  the  fact 
that  most,  if  not  all,  of  the  foods 
that  the  mother  eats  are  deprived 
of  the  natural  phosphates  through 
the   artificial  methods  of  preparation. 

38 


Courtesy  of  Haskell  Post-Graduate  School. 


IX  THIS  ILLUSTRATION-  A  PORTION  OF  THE  ALVEOLAR 

PROCESS   AND     ROOTS     HAVE    BEEN    REMOVED 

SO    AS    TO    SHOW     THE     PULP     CANALS 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

During  the  period  of  nursing  in 
particular,  the  mother  should  feed 
upon  those  foods  which  have  an 
abundance  of  lime  salts.  The  time  is 
not.  far  distant  when  those  who  expect 
to  be  blessed  by  the  title  "Mother" 
will  at  an  early  date  consult  their 
family  dentist  with  regard  to  the  best 
foods,  etc.,  that  should  be  taken. 

Unnecessary  Pain.— Patients  often 
suffer  an  unnecessary  amount  of  pain 
at  the  dentist's,  through  their  own 
want  of  knowledge.  Because  some 
tooth  is  tender  and  hurts,  or  the  gums 
bleed  when  the  brush  is  used,  patients 
give  up  all  attempts  to  cleanse  their 
teeth,  with  the  result  that  the  decom- 
position of  food  not  only  increases  the 
amount  of  acid  in  the  mouth,  thus 
making  the  teeth  more  sensitive,  but 
also  causes  an  inflamed  condition  of 
the  gums,  with  accompanying  increase 
of  sensitiveness  of  the  nerve  supply  of 
the  teeth.     What  should  be  done  is  to 

39 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

give  greater  care  to  cleansing  the 
teeth  and  to  thoroughly  rinse  the 
mouth  three  or  four  time  a  day  with 
Milk  of  Magnesia.  About  six  or  ten 
days  before  going  to  the  dentist's,  take 
one  teaspoonful  of  bicarbonate  of 
soda  (cooking  soda  ),  in  half  a  pint  of 
water,  and  drink  one-third  of  it  three 
times  a  day.  This  will  greatly  reduce 
the  acidity  of  the  mouth  and  thus  mini- 
mize the  amount  of  pain  necessary 
to  be  inflicted.  It  will  also  prove  of 
help  to  the  dentist,  as  it  is  harder  to 
work  when  pain  is  being  caused. 

Swollen  Face.— When  a  tooth  aches 
and  the  gums  become  swollen,  many 
persons  apply  a  hot  water  bottle,  thus 
increasing  the  swelling,  with  the 
danger  of  making  the  abscess  break  on 
the  oustide  of  the  face  and  leave  a  scar 
for  life.  Even  if  this  did  not  happen, 
the  increased  swelling  makes  the  work 
more  difficult  and  painful.  What 
should  be  done  is  to  apply  hot  figs  or 

40 


THE  TEETH  AND  THEIR  CARE 

seedless  raisins  to  the  gum  direct ; 
keep  the  outside  of  the  face  cool,  and 
go  at  once  to  the  dentist.  The  hot  ap- 
plication inside  the  mouth  more  quick- 
ly brings  the  abscess  into  a  condition  to 
be  operated  upon  with  success,  and 
prevents  any  disfigurement  of  the  face. 


41 


Chapter  %>ix 

CONCLUSION. 

Floss  Silk.— If  in  the  use  of  floss 
silk  it  constantly  becomes  cut  or 
broken  between  the  same  teeth,  one 
may  rest  assured  that  something  is 
wrong  and  needs  attention ;  either  it  is 
a  filling  not  polished  and  trimmed 
enough,  or  it  is  a  new  cavity. 

Dark  Lines  op  Spots.— If  in  the  cor- 
rugated surfaces  of  the  molars  and 
bicuspids  there  are  noticed  dark  lines 
or  spots,  which  cannot  be  removed  by 
cleansing,  it  is  wise  to  consult  your 
dentist. 

Brush.— If  the  brush  be  put  into  a 
glass  of  tepid  water  about  ten  minutes 
before  using,  it  will  be  found  that 
while  the  bristles  have  lost  their  harsh- 
ness they  still  retain  sufficient  firmness 

42 


THE   TEETH    AND    THEIR    CARE 

and  elasticity  to  properly  cleanse  the 
teeth  without  injury  to  the  gums.  A 
circular  motion  should  always  be  given 
to  the  brush. 

Visiting    the    Dentist    Regularly.— 

If  the  practice  be  made  of  going  regu- 
larly every  six  months  and  having  the 
teeth  carefully  cleansed,  and  examina- 
tion made  for  any  weak  spots  in  the 
teeth  that  would  eventually  decay, 
having  these  cut  away  and  filled,  the 
teeth  will  never  require  large  fill- 
ings with  the  advantage  of  retaining 
the  maximum  amount  of  sound  tooth 
substance  to  resist  the  minimum 
amount  of  foreign  substance,  with  a 
corresponding  lessening  of  pain  at  op- 
erations, and,  as  a  result,  the  dentist's 
bill  will  be  smaller. 


43 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES 

This  book  is  due  on  the  date  indicated  below,  or  at  the 
expiration  of  a  definite  period  after  the  date  of  borrowing, 
as  provided  by  the  rules  of  the  Library  or  by  special  ar- 
rangement with  the  Librarian  in  charge. 


DATE   BORROWED 

DATE   DUE 

DATE   BORROWED 

DATE   DUE 

C28U  140)  Ml  00 

H992 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES  (hsl.stx) 

RK61H992C.1 


The  teet 


2002339013 


WJ^S^m 


.^AVJL^>' 


^kWtoJAW 


